Two Writers Slinging Yang

On how one writes funny material; on what little life quirks make for good columns; on his run as a major sports television star; on writing Michigan-Ohio State with a unique viewpoint.

On returning to her home state to cover the Cornhuskers; on what it's like to know your career path beginning at age 6; on the struggles and hardships women continue to endure in sports media.

On covering the Cardinals since 1978; on the legendary Garry Templeton-Ozzie Smith swap, the outrageous Joaquín Andújar, the immortal Albert Pujols and on surviving more than five decades in newspaper.

On writing a biography of a legendary sports figure when the legendary sports figure doesn't participate; on why Charles Barkley's niece was a game changer; on calling potential sources—then calling them again; on how a stutter impacts (and doesn't impact) his career.

On why Muhammad Ali so fascinates the world—even after unlimited access; on whether Irish sports fans care about what happens in the United States; on why the world needs a Leon Spinks book.

On the value of great lyrics v. the value of a great voice; on what his Crips background brings to his music; on what he recognized in a young Kendrick Lamar and why "2Pac Must Die" is a song for the ages.

On what it takes to ghost writer another person's autobiography; of what it's like to see musicians you love and admire self-destruct; on his contributions to Marvin Gaye's "Sexual Healing"; on the impact stuttering has had on his career.

On the genius behind one of the great HBO shows of all time; on the early frustrations and struggles of a young TV writer; of the difficulty of capturing scenes and voices on television.

On the highs and lows of Belichick, Brady and the dynastic Patriots; on whether columnists ever need to admit they were wrong; on the ills of social media and the future of the industry

The soups and nuts and crackers and eggs and muffins of writing my 10th book—featuring guest host Michael J. Lewis.